Should we have a point demerit system for dog owners

In Eastern China, they have rolled out a “demerit system” for dog owners.  It works like a Driver’s Licence.  Every registered dog owner is allocated 12 points, and points are lost when the rules are broken.

If you’re a first time offender It’s 3 points when you walk your dog without a leash or tag, don’t clean up after your dog, or your dog causes a disturbance.

Second time offenders are hit with a fine of between $40 and $100, and they are hit with 6 points. 

You definitely don’t want to be a 3^rd time offender as you will get 12 points and be forced to surrender your dog.

Even pet owners who don’t renew their registration are forced to have their dog taken to a kennel until such time as they pass an examination on dog regulations.

Since the system came into force in January 2017, 1,430 owners have been penalised with more than 120 having to temporarily surrender their pet and losing all their points.

So does it work?

China Daily report said complaints about owners walking dogs without a leash dropped by 43% as a result of the demerit system, whilst state media Legal Daily praised the effectiveness of the system and argued for it to be rolled out across China.

Well I am not surprised that it changes behaviour – who would want to risk having their pet taken away from them for the pleasure of walking without a lead?

Whilst most dog owners are responsible there are still many that do not do the right thing – making life unpleasant for others.  It seems that the penalties applied to dog owners here in Australia are not a deterrent at all – what solutions do you think could work?